ADT is a nationwide brand that has been in the home security industry for 150 years. They’re the big guys on the block, which is why we test and review ADT on an annual basis. Each time, they end up as one of our favorite security systems. We’re always trying to find an even better option, though, which is why we decided to try out Vector Security.
Instead of nationwide service, Vector Security only services 36 states, but they’ve still been around for over 50 years. So, we hoped they could turn this comparison into a David vs. Goliath story, but, after putting both systems through their paces, we still like ADT more. Let’s dig in.
We proudly displayed our ADT yard sign so any potential criminals knew to steer clear of our house.
>> Learn More: A Complete Guide to Home Security Systems in 2025
An Overview of ADT vs. Vector Security
Like we mentioned, ADT has a few more years behind them than Vector Security. And, by a few more years, we mean about 100 years. Still, Vector Security is by no means a newcomer in the industry. Despite that, we found that ADT offers a more modern security system. They’ve been able to evolve with the times in a way that we rarely see with any company, nevermind a home security company.
Similarities Between ADT and Vector Security
They still share some similarities — where ADT has some remnants of the past and Vector Security upgraded aspects of their offerings — but they’ve grown farther apart in recent years. Here’s an overview of ADT and Vector Security’s similarities:
- Professional Installation: You can get an ADT or Vector Security system professionally installed.
- Professional Monitoring: We always recommend professional monitoring, so we’re glad to see that both ADT and Vector Security offer it.
- Long-Term Financing: Both providers let you finance your system over the course of up to 60 months so you can spread out the payment for your equipment.
- High-Quality iOS Mobile Apps: The mobile app for Apple products was surprisingly good from Vector Security, and we always expect a top-tier app from ADT.
>> Read About: Best Home Security System With a Mobile App
Expert Insight: Just because they both offer professional installation and monitoring doesn’t mean they’re on the same level in those areas. In our experience, ADT offers one of the best professional installation services in the country. They also have a more advanced professional monitoring service, with 12 redundant facilities throughout Northern America.
Differences Between ADT and Vector Security
Now, let’s go over the key differences between ADT and Vector Security that we think will be deciding factors when you choose which provider to trust with protecting your home:
- DIY Installation: Only ADT offers a free DIY installation option. Even though Vector Security offers free professional installation when you buy your system, you’ll need to pay for installation if you choose to add equipment after that first purchase. ADT lets you install extra equipment, on your own, for free.
- Facial Recognition Cameras: The Alarm.com cameras that Vector Security offers do not offer facial recognition capabilities. They can tell the difference between people, pets, vehicles, and packages, but they can’t tell different people apart the way the Google Nest Cams that ADT offers do.
- No-Contract Monitoring: If you DIY the install of your ADT system, you don’t need to sign any long-term contracts and can cancel your monitoring at any time.
- Android App Quality: While Vector Security’s iOS app impressed us, their Android app is lackluster. ADT makes a high-quality app for both platforms.
A Detailed Comparison Between ADT and Vector Security
The first time we compared ADT and Vector Security, we found a surprising amount of parallels. Like we said, though, that’s not really the case anymore. ADT’s developed their services so much that it seems like every year these two systems drift further and further apart. So, let’s dig into the details that will help you decide which system is a better fit for you.
Pricing
Before ADT cut their prices, ADT and Vector Security were close in price. Now, though, ADT costs significantly less. For instance, ADT’s professional monitoring plans start at $24.99 per month, whereas Vector Security’s start at $49.99 per month — and that’s for comparable plans for comparable systems.
As for equipment prices, ADT costs less on that front, too. While you won’t pay anything upfront for a Vector Security system, as all of their systems are financed through a minimum three-year contract, the overall cost ends up a lot higher. Their basic package starts at $18 per month, but, over three years, that adds up to $648. A comparable system from ADT costs $349. Here’s a quick comparison between ADT and Vector Security’s pricing:
| Security System Equipment | ADT’s Price | Vector Security’s Price |
|---|---|---|
|
$349 | $648 |
|
$528.99 | $972 |
|
$709.88 | $1,260 |
Winner: ADT
Equipment Quality
Here’s everything that came with the Google Nest Cam we bought with our ADT security system.
Despite the lower prices, we found ADT’s equipment to be better built and easier to use than Vector Security. Most of Vector Security’s equipment comes from Alarm.com. While Alarm.com makes quality security equipment, it’s not designed specifically for Vector Security’s service. That prevents them from offering the unique and tailored equipment features we see from ADT.
As an example, ADT’s premium entry sensors have a little button on them that lets you easily enable or disable them from setting off an alarm. We bought one for our backyard slider door when we tested ADT, since we regularly host backyard parties. When we hosted our parties, we’d just press the button on the sensor before everyone arrived so that our phone wasn’t blown up with alerts. But, we could still keep our security system armed for the rest of our house and property. That’s just one example of ADT’s unique features that are possible because they design and produce their own security equipment.
Winner: ADT
FYI: We used to complain when testing ADT’s security cameras, but since they started offering Google Nest Cams after their Google partnership, we’ve been happy campers. Check out our Google Nest Cams review for all the details.
Smart Home Capabilities
When it comes to smart home equipment, ADT and Vector Security largely offer the same components. They both offer smart thermostats, smart locks, smart lights, and smart outlets. That’s enough equipment to set up a full smart home — even allowing you to attach small appliances to those smart outlet adapters to incorporate them into your routines. But, there’s a catch.
While testing Vector Security, we couldn’t integrate third-party smart home equipment. ADT, on the other hand, let us integrate almost any smart home equipment we wanted thanks to their Z-Wave compatibility. We also found ADT’s home automation capabilities easier to use with more options. That’s why it’s on our list of the best smart home security systems.
>> Learn About: 2025 Guide to Home Automation Systems & Smart Home Products
Winner: ADT
Pro Tip: ADT’s Trusted Neighbor feature takes full advantage of the Google Nest Cams’ facial recognition to trigger automated responses. It lets you automatically open up your house for specific people at specific times or during specific events, such as during a confirmed alarm. We used ours to let our cleaners in every Wednesday at 2:15 p.m.
Mobile Apps
Here’s a look at the ADT+ app from when we tested an ADT Self Setup system in our home.
We tend to use the respective mobile apps the most when controlling the home security systems we test. In most cases, even if the provider has an awesome touch-screen control panel, it’s just easier to pull out our phone and make any adjustments we need rather than walking over to the control panel. Needless to say, we thoroughly tested both ADT and Vector Security’s mobile apps.
If you’re an Apple user through and through, we found that the app quality is fairly similar between ADT and Vector Security. Sure, ADT offers more features since their system is more feature-rich, but the actual app experience is about the same. When we used our Android, though, we noticed a distinct decrease in quality from Vector Security. Our biggest complaint is that it regularly struggled to display recorded video clips when we tried to review what happened during a system event. ADT’s Android app worked just as well as its iOS app.
Winner: ADT
>> Check Out: Best Home Security Systems That Work With Apple Devices
Installation
Our ADT technician went as far as adding a brown cover to our entry sensors so they better matched our decor.
There’s no doubt that ADT offers more options when it comes to installation considering you can DIY your ADT install. It was a smooth enough process for us to put them on our list of the best DIY home security systems.
For professionally installed systems, though, ADT and Vector Security’s service was fairly similar. And that’s saying a lot because we consider ADT one of the best professionally installed security systems available. They both helped us figure out what equipment we needed to secure our house and sent in-house technicians to complete the install.
>> Read More: ADT Self Setup Review and Pricing Plans in 2025
Winner: ADT
Did You Know? More often than not, you can get professional installation for free if you’re willing to sign a long-term contract with most home security providers. But, if you end up wanting to add equipment to your system after that initial purchase, expect to pay an extra fee for installation.
Contracts
To buy a Vector Security system, you’ll need to sign at least a three-year contract. ADT used to require that as well, except for in California, but now they don’t require a long-term contract at all. Comparing each company’s long-term contract, which is optional for ADT, we still prefer ADT as they offer a few more buyer protections. For instance, if ADT increases their monthly rate, anyone can opt out of that rate increase and cancel their contract without any associated cancelation fees.
Winner: ADT
ADT vs. Vector Security: Which One’s Right For You?
If you can’t tell already, we think ADT is better than Vector Security in just about every regard. They offer better-quality services and equipment at lower prices with more flexibility all around. You don’t need to worry about where you live for ADT, either, as they service the entire nation, whereas Vector Security only services 36 states.
But, we get it, ADT is not for everyone. That said, if you don’t want ADT, you probably don’t want Vector Security either. There are other options though. Check out our list of the best ADT alternatives where we highlight an alternative for everyone from the DIY powerhouse SimpliSafe to the technologically advanced Vivint.
FAQs About ADT vs. Vector Security
- If Vector Security is not available in my state, should I go with ADT instead?
ADT makes for a great alternative for anyone that lives in a state that is not serviced by Vector Security. Even if your state is serviced by Vector Security, we still prefer ADT.
- Who requires a longer contract, ADT or Vector Security?
Vector Security requires a longer contract than ADT. With ADT, you can DIY your install and then sign up for monitoring on a month-to-month basis, entirely avoiding a contract. Vector Security requires a minimum 36-month contract.
- Can I finance a security system through ADT or Vector Security?
Yes, both ADT and Vector Security offer financing options of up to 60 months for qualifying customers.
- Does ADT or Vector Security allow me to self-monitor my security system?
If you installed your own ADT security system, you can self-monitor your system. Vector Security locks you into professional monitoring for the duration of your contract.
- Who costs more, ADT or Vector Security?
No matter which way you look at it, ADT costs less than Vector Security. Their monitoring and equipment prices are lower than Vector Security, and, even if you don’t want to pay anything upfront, you still have that option with ADT.
